|
Ranthambor, hailed as one of
India's finest wildlife locations, is located near Sawai Madhour township
about 100 kms south east of Ajmer in Rajasthan. It was established
as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first phase of Project
Tiger in 1972. In 1981 Ranthambor was awarded National Park
status. The park derives its name from the fort of Ranthambor which
sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. The fort dates back to the 11th
century when it was a vital citadel for the control of central
India. Though overrun by vegetation, remnants of the summer palaces,
temples and guard stones within the fort still remain. Earlier, the
hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Park at Ranthambore was
once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its
tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic
predators in the wild. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during
the day, busy in their normal pursuits - especially stalking or hunting
and taking care of their young. With the strict measures that have been
taken for their conservation, they seem quite accustomed to human activity
and are not disturbed.
|
|
